2 Samuel 8:14
He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.
He placed garrisons throughout Edom
This phrase indicates a strategic military move by King David to establish control over Edom, a neighboring nation to the south of Israel. Edom, descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, had a long history of conflict with Israel. By placing garrisons, David ensured a permanent military presence, securing Israel's southern border and maintaining peace. This action reflects the fulfillment of the prophecy given to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23, where it was foretold that the older (Esau/Edom) would serve the younger (Jacob/Israel). Archaeological evidence suggests that Edom was a significant kingdom during this period, with fortified cities that David would have needed to control to secure his reign.

and all the Edomites were subject to David
This subjugation of the Edomites under David's rule signifies the expansion of his kingdom and the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel victory over its enemies. Historically, this subjugation would have involved tribute and labor, integrating Edom into the economic and political structure of David's kingdom. The Edomites' subjection is a testament to David's military prowess and God's favor upon him. This also prefigures the ultimate reign of Christ, who will have dominion over all nations, as prophesied in Psalm 2:8.

So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went
This phrase underscores the divine favor and providence that accompanied David's military campaigns. It highlights the theological theme that David's success was not merely due to his own abilities but was a result of the LORD's intervention and blessing. This echoes the covenantal promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7, where God assures him of a lasting dynasty. The victories granted to David foreshadow the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who triumphs over sin and death, establishing an eternal kingdom. This divine assistance is a recurring theme in the narrative of David's life, emphasizing that true success and victory come from reliance on God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, anointed by God, who expanded the kingdom and established a strong rule. His leadership is marked by military conquests and a heart after God.

2. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom had a contentious relationship with Israel. David's conquest of Edom signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to subdue Israel's enemies.

3. Garrisons
Military outposts established by David in Edom to maintain control and ensure peace. These garrisons symbolize the extension of David's influence and the security of his kingdom.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who grants David victory. This highlights the divine favor and support that underpins David's success.

5. Victory
The success and triumph that David experiences, attributed to the LORD's intervention and blessing. This victory is both military and spiritual, showcasing God's faithfulness to His promises.
Teaching Points
Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
David's victories are attributed to the LORD, yet he actively engages in battle and leadership. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty while faithfully fulfilling their responsibilities.

Fulfillment of God's Promises
The subjugation of Edom is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Christians can find assurance in God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His word.

Establishing God's Kingdom
David's establishment of garrisons in Edom reflects the expansion of God's kingdom. Believers are encouraged to be active participants in advancing God's kingdom through evangelism and discipleship.

Peace through Strength
The presence of garrisons ensured peace in Edom. Similarly, spiritual strength and vigilance are necessary for maintaining peace in our lives and communities.

Victory through Obedience
David's success was a result of his obedience to God. Christians are reminded that true victory comes through aligning with God's will and commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's conquest of Edom demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness in our lives?

2. In what ways can we balance trusting in God's sovereignty with taking personal responsibility in our daily walk with Him?

3. How can the concept of establishing "garrisons" be applied to our spiritual lives to ensure peace and security?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's victories about the importance of obedience to God in achieving success?

5. How can we actively participate in the expansion of God's kingdom in our communities and beyond, following David's example?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 25:23
The prophecy concerning Jacob and Esau, where God declares that the older (Esau/Edom) will serve the younger (Jacob/Israel). David's conquest of Edom fulfills this prophecy.

Psalm 60:8
A psalm attributed to David, where Edom is mentioned as a place of triumph. This reflects David's victories and God's sovereignty over the nations.

1 Chronicles 18:13
A parallel account of David's victories, emphasizing the LORD's role in granting success and establishing peace.
God's Preserving CareB. Dale 2 Samuel 8:14
David's Wars and VictoriesB. Dale 2 Samuel 8:1-14
David's Foreign WarsW. G. Blaikie, M. A.2 Samuel 8:1-18
The Victorious KingF. B. Meyer, B. A.2 Samuel 8:1-18
God Over ManPulpit Analyst2 Samuel 8:6-14
The Garrison of the GracesSpurgeon, Charles Haddon2 Samuel 8:6-14
People
Abiathar, Ahilud, Ahimelech, Ahitub, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Aram, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Edomites, Hadadezer, Hadoram, Jehoiada, Jehoshaphat, Joab, Joram, Kerethites, Moabites, Pelethites, Rehob, Seraiah, Syrians, Tebah, Toi, Tou, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
Amalek, Aram, Berothai, Betah, Damascus, Edom, Euphrates River, Hamath, Israel, Jerusalem, Metheg-ammah, Moab, Valley of Salt, Zobah
Topics
Armed, David, David's, Edom, Edomites, E'domites, Forces, Garrisons, Helped, Overcome, Preserved, Putteth, Saveth, Servants, Stationed, Subject, Throughout, Victory, Wherever, Whithersoever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 8:14

     4207   land, divine gift
     5315   fortifications
     6634   deliverance

2 Samuel 8:1-14

     5087   David, reign of
     5366   king

2 Samuel 8:1-18

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

2 Samuel 8:13-15

     5088   David, character

Library
'More than Conquerors through Him'
'And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field. 9. When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians: 10. And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate--its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, its olive- and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and deserted, its native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth, and strength--presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. The Rabbis never
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The King --Continued.
The second event recorded as important in the bright early years is the great promise of the perpetuity of the kingdom in David's house. As soon as the king was firmly established and free from war, he remembered the ancient word which said, "When He giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety, then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there" (Deut. xii. 10, 11). His own ease rebukes him; he regards his tranquillity
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient,
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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